La représentation du roi cavalier sur les monnaies indo-scythes et indo-parthes : une approche numismatique

Although it is essential to reconstruct the history of the Indo-Scythians and the Indo-Parthians, the study of these two North-Western Indian dynasties also needs to take into account a careful iconographical study. It is useful to understand their history, but also their relationships with nearby civilizations. Indeed, the study of the king mounted on horseback holding an arm on coin obverses allows us to put under question the distinction done by some scholars between Azes I and Azes II, two Indo-Scythian kings, if the king is depicted holding a spear or a whip. The study also shows the relationships that existed between the Indo-Scythian and other Central Asian civilizations. One single aspect of the one-or-two-Azes question is dealt with in this paper; but it seems that, as far as our knowledge nowadays goes, it is impossible to strengthen or to invalidate G.K. Jenkins' or R.C. Senior's hypothesis.